Slot hopes to press on with Liverpool’s recovery as Manchester City provide litmus test

Head coach Arne Slot is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits his Liverpool side on Sunday as they prepare to face Manchester City. The Reds' title defence may be all but over, but Slot is keen to use the upcoming fixture as a yardstick to measure the progress his team has made since their 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in November. On that occasion, Liverpool were comprehensively outplayed, and Slot was quick to acknowledge that his side had been second best for large periods of the game.

Despite the controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed header, which could have changed the complexion of the match, Slot is not one to dwell on what ifs. Instead, he has been focusing on the improvements his team needs to make in order to compete with the likes of Manchester City. The Dutchman believes that Liverpool's performances this season have been better than their results suggest, with late lapses, set-piece failures, and wasted chances often proving to be the difference between victory and defeat. However, he is also aware that his side cannot afford to make the same mistakes against a team as potent as Manchester City.

The Citizens have been in imperious form this season, and their squad is packed with talented players who can hurt Liverpool in a variety of ways. Slot will need to come up with a clever game plan to nullify the threats posed by the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden. At the same time, he will be looking for his own players to step up and make a significant impact on the game. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Jordan Henderson will need to be at the top of their game if Liverpool are to have any chance of taking something from the match.

In many ways, Sunday's game is a free hit for Liverpool. With their title chances all but extinguished, they can approach the match without the burden of expectation. However, Slot will still be eager to see his team put in a performance that reflects their true capabilities. A win or even a draw against Manchester City would be a significant statement of intent, and it would suggest that Liverpool are still a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. As the teams take to the pitch on Sunday, all eyes will be on Anfield to see if Slot's side can rise to the challenge and prove that they are more than just also-rans in the title race.

The match against Manchester City is not just about the result; it is also about the opportunity for Liverpool to gauge their progress under Slot's stewardship. The head coach has been working tirelessly to implement his tactics and shape the team in his image, and Sunday's game will provide a fascinating insight into how far they have come. With the right mindset and a bit of luck, Liverpool may yet be able to spring a surprise and take something from the match. Even if they do not, the experience will be invaluable in terms of their development as a team, and it will stand them in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.